Improvement in can-openers



UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIOE SAMUEL POOLE, OE'BEOOKLYN', NEw YORK, AssrGNoR TO HrMsELE AND HENRY F.`GARDNER, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

IMPROVEMENT IN CAN-OPENERS.`

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 172,653, dated January 25, 1876; application filed November 9, 1875.

To all 'whomy it may concern:

Be it known that I, SAMUEL POOLE, of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and-State ot' New York, have invented an Improved Gan-Opener, of which the following is a specication My invention relates to an improvement in a device for opening tin cans, by which the operation ot opening may be ettectively and expeditiously done; and the invention consists in the novel combination, with a shank or bar provided with an angular projecting point or hook, of an adjustable sliding' socket provided with arotating cutter and a frictionroller, which cutter and roller are set at au angle to the sides of the socket and at less than a right angle to the pointed part of the shank, whereby the instrument is more readily adapted to cut open the top of a can of any of the usual sizes, While the roller serves to prevent the cutter from penetrating too far into the can, and also facilitates the action of the cutter.

The accompanying drawing is a perspective view of my improved device.

A represents a square metal bar or shank provided at one end withv a sharp steel point, I, as shown. 0n the shank A is fitted, so as to slide freely. a socket, B, provided with a thumb-screw, H, by means of which the socket B can be securely held at any desirable point on the shank A.

Projecting from the under side of the socket B, are two lugs, C G, at an angle to the sides ot' the socket B, and inclining toward the pointed end I of the shank. In these lugs is journaled a circular steel disk, D, having a sharp cuttingedge, the front face of the disk being a plane surface while the rear edge is beveled. At the rear of the disk D, and journaled on the same shaft is a friction-roller, E. It will be seen that the cutter D, being journaled in the inclined lugs C C, will be at an angle with the shank A, and the roller E serves to give a firm bearing to the instrument, and prevents the cutter D from penetrating too far through the top of the can.

The peculiar inclination of the cutter in relation to the pivotal bearing at the center ot' the can, has the effect of imparting to the cutter a more positive cutting action than if arranged at right angles to the shank, and also serves to raise the edge of the portion cutout, and thus renders it more easy of removal.

In operation the point I is made to pierce the center' of the top of the can, and. acts as a fulcrum to the shank A. The socketB is then adjusted to bring the cutter to the proper position, the roller E resting upon or near the edge ot' the can. The shank and cutter are then moved around, and the can is very easily and expeditiously opened.

The end ot' the shank A may be bent downward at a right angle, and the point E be vattached to the lower end of the same, if desirable.

I am aware that a rotary cutter has been used, and also a pivotal i'ulcrum-point. These I do not claim; but

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. The combination, with the shank A, provided with the pivotal point T, ofthe adjustable socket B, the inclined cutter D, and friction-roller E, all constructed to operate substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. The combination, with the rotary cutter A, of the independently-rotating roller E, as and for the purpose specied.

In testimony whcreot` I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

SAMUEL POOLE.

Witnesses:

EDWARD GAssETT, J. H. ADAMS. 

